The Rebirths of Tao

Honestly the book while tieing up some plot points and having a satisfying ending It does not really feel like the last book of the series but rather the third book of a larger series.  I guess if anything the author wants to follow another main character in book 4 while having past characters become side characters as the series continues. Basically this is a good read that does not feel quite complete, but is still worth it.  I do think this book is uped to a pg-15 due to language mostly.   The characters feel deep because we have spent time with them and that makes the stakes all the more real as we jump ahead in their lives.  The plot was a bit jumbled as the story did not feel as it had real direction at times but it kept me engaged with character conflicts and gradual build up to a pretty big climax.  Jill's character arc was awesome I think as was Roen and Cams. Wesley Chu really set them up for the end to feel legit.  I was pulled into the story this time despite the major time jump because it happened in book 2. Wesley Chu did get a little loose in his third person pov again where there seems to be some pov errors, but for the most part it was smoother.  There was a twist in the story that was not quite set up right i felt because the first clue the reader gets for it feels as it would be impossible for the person involved in the twist to accomplish as they were elsewhere at the time. The worst part is that once the twist occurs it really does not matter in the end. In Fact it is quite literally an afterthought and not mentioned by the characters.Overall i think the series is worth the read, with great action and good characters.

From the first scene in Deaths of Tao, to this book, this well-crafted story has all the ingredients of a successful action movie . Pacing and narrative are also inspired by graphic novels. In this case, this a good thing. The author has steadily grown throughout and he was pretty darn good to start with.Think Dan Simmon's Carrion Comfort with a dash of True Lies and James Bond and you get the idea. (yeah, I was still totally expecting laser-armed sharks at the end battle, must be the cold fresh water that kept them away).Thankfully while there is a lot of action, it also never gets bogged down in unnecessary details and minutiae. It supports, but does not suffocate, the story telling.The action is always there, yes, with larger-than-life heroes and villains. But so is humor, a solid plot and pacing. The series never comes off as dumbed down and the plot is always logical to itself. For example, while Enzo pulls off some rather unnecessarily risky moves at the end, it is clear that he does so because he is a egotistic sociopath and his lack of leadership, in the sense of delegating to his underlings, works against him. You know that because a lot a of pages were invested in making you know what makes him tick. Enzo is really more like a genius evil dark knight than a general - he just doesn't get that his job is to direct people rather than enjoying reaping souls in the front lines.Unexpectedly for an action SF book, this is a series that breathes and lives character development. With (roll your eyes), the family dynamics of a teenager growing up with three parents and going through his first crush. But, again, it works.Despite this being billed as the conclusion to the trilogy (now referred to as a 'series' instead), I really expect more Taos to be forthcoming. The ending is well done and doesn't leave you hanging, but is also clearly setting up for a continuation in the story arc. Normally, I tend to get annoyed at series that don't know when to stop. But all three books have been very enjoyable, quite different from each other and with varying character focus so...looking forward to being surprised by book 4.

The Rebirths of Tao (Tao, #3) by Wesley ChuA very worthy end to this series. Or is it?This book is the culmination of two generations of humans, and aliens, fighting over which direction they will go. Tao, a seemingly immortal alien of various and sundry incarnations with his human partners, and thus an incredible coach, teacher, parent, and friend. And Roen, then Cameron Tan. Tao's latest two human carriers.You have to read in between the lines to se that yes, even Tao has evolved and grown as a person. And it's been, ironically, both father and son Tan that have perpetuated this! Meanwhile, father and sone have their own growth pains to deal with, oh and would you, please and thank you, mind saving the world?Saving the world is no easy feat as the head baddy is really an egotistical jerk who cares nothing for humans, and everything for the lust of battle. He even deserves his name. (Minor sight note: the author does enjoy some word play with his naming, so yes, he meant it, ha!).So this is a worthy conclusion to this set of stories, but the war goes on, and on, and on. There is room for so many more novels in this universe, I hope that the author continues even after Io, etc.

Well paced, finished in one marathon session, wicked work as usual. Action packed and original, highly recommended.If you want your heroes to be a bit limitless and all powerful, forget it. If you want realistic characters that have to fight, think and really push against the odds, then start with these books.He wrote with his soul I felt. It shows. Chu loves his work and I think if you like a good story, good characters and a fine writing style, you'll love his work too.

Satisfying end to an innovative trilogy. The inclusion of teenagers with 'passengers' really brings home what it might actually be like growing up with someone else in your head (especially for the girl, I so want to know the rest of her story!).

Great book, completed the series nicely, but would like to see more stories of the Quasings and Tao. I really enjoy the concept and internal tensions between the Quasing even within a sect. Great little series.

This is a really great series of books - thoroughly enjoyed them all. Great writing, story and dialogue. Recommended read.

I have really enjoyed the first 2 Tao books and this 3rd takes the story along nicely. Great writer. I want more!